We catch a shuttle bus near the Harpa Concert Hall that takes us to a transfer bus station where we leave for the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most famous geothermal-heated swimming lagoon. The bus travels through stark lava fields to reach the lagoon, following a longer-than-normal route due to recent volcanic activity that has closed the main road.
Road to the Blue Lagoon
We reach the Blue Lagoon complex, change into our swimming gear, and enter the warm water, generally around 38°C (100°F). The geothermal seawater in the Blue Lagoon originates 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) below us, refreshing the 9 million liter (2.4 million gallon) pool every 40 hours.
Blue Lagoon
Passing under a bridge from the main lagoon leads us to a smaller pool with a view of the geothermal power plant next door. Iceland uses geothermal energy to produce about 25% of its electricity and heat about 85% of its homes. This power comes from Iceland's unique geology, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing heat from deep within the earth to reach the surface.
Smaller pool
Geothermal power plant in the distance
When we've had enough soaking in the comfortable warm water, we exit the pool and stroll the grounds of the Blue Lagoon, with pools and paths carved out of the rocky volcanic landscape.
Wandering the grounds
Blue Lagoon
